Juliaca Airport

Welcome to Inca Manco Cápac International Airport — the high-altitude aerial gateway to the amazing world of the Peruvian Altiplano! Located at an elevation of 3,826 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest airports on the planet. Its name, honoring the legendary founder of the Inca Empire, instantly sets the mood for adventure and discovery of ancient cultures. For many travelers, this is where the exciting journey to the mystical Lake Titicaca and the treasures of the Puno region begins.

Despite its modest size, the airport in Juliaca boasts a significant feature — one of the longest runways in Peru, measuring 4,200 meters. Such length is necessary to ensure the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft in the thin high-altitude air. The airport serves as a key transport hub connecting the region with the capital, Lima, and the tourist center of Cusco. In the terminal, you will find basic amenities, including cafes and souvenir shops, which will help you spend your time comfortably while waiting for your flight and prepare for your onward journey through this unique land.

If you need to contact the administration of Inca Manco Cápac Airport in Juliaca, please use the following contact information. Please note that the airport is managed by Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú (AAP), so many contacts may be centralized.

• Official Website: You can find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official page: www.aap.com.pe/juliaca.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +51 51 328974.
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Internacional Inca Manco Cápac, Av. Aviación Km. 4, Juliaca, San Román, Puno, Peru.
• Email: For general inquiries and feedback, you can use the customer support email: atencionalcliente@aap.com.pe.
• Social Media: Follow the airport operator AAP on their official Facebook page to stay updated on all news: facebook.com/AeropuertosAndinosdelPeru.
• Lost Luggage Information: Important! If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should primarily contact your airline's representative. If you left personal items in the airport terminal (outside the baggage control zone), please review the procedure on the operator's website in the "Lost Items" (Objetos Olvidados) section.
• Passenger Support Contacts: To resolve most issues related to your stay at the airport, use the support phone number and email address listed above.

Inca Manco Cápac Airport (JUL), serving the city of Juliaca, is located approximately 5 kilometers from the city center. Despite the relatively short distance, planning your trip to the airport is important for a comfortable start or end to your journey in Peru. On average, the drive from the city center to the terminal takes about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and Transfers. This is the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. Official taxis can be found throughout the city, or you can book a car through your hotel. It is recommended to use the services of licensed companies and agree on the fare in advance, as taximeters are rarely used. The cost of a taxi ride is moderate and represents the best balance between price, speed, and comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

Public Transport. A more budget-friendly alternative includes mototaxis (tuk-tuks) and "colectivos" (collective taxis or minibuses). Mototaxis are an exotic and very cheap option for traveling light, but they are not suitable for travelers with large suitcases. "Colectivos" follow specific routes and depart as they fill up; this is a great way to save money if you are ready for a little adventure and know basic Spanish. Note that they do not have a fixed schedule, and the stop may not be right at the terminal entrance.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to explore the region on your own, for example, by driving to Lake Titicaca, renting a car can be a good solution. Several rental agencies have counters directly at the airport. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, parking is available at Juliaca Airport. The number of spaces is limited, but usually, finding a free spot is not difficult. This option provides maximum flexibility but is the most expensive.

Inca Manco Cápac Airport in Juliaca (JUL) is a compact and functional aviation hub characterized by a simple and clear structure. It is designed to efficiently handle passenger traffic heading to Lake Titicaca and other attractions in the Puno region of Peru.

The airport operates only one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and rare international flights. Thanks to this, navigation here is extremely simple, and getting lost is practically impossible. All infrastructure is located in one building, making movement between zones fast and convenient. There are no transfers between terminals since there is only one.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. Immediately after entering the terminal, you find yourself in the general hall. Airline check-in counters are located on one side, and the arrival area with the baggage claim belt is on the other. The departure zone, including pre-flight security checks and boarding gates, is located after the check-in counters. Due to the small size of the airport, everything is within walking distance of each other.

Registration and screening procedures usually proceed quite quickly. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure. Queues are possible during the peak tourist season, so it is better to have extra time. For navigation, simply follow the standard signs in Spanish and English. After completing all formalities, passengers enter a small waiting hall with several boarding gates.

Inca Manco Cápac Airport (JUL), serving the city of Juliaca and the entire Puno region in Peru, has a history closely linked to the development of tourism and transport accessibility of the high-altitude Altiplano plateau. Although the exact date of laying the first stone is not widely documented, the airport opened and began operations in the mid-20th century, becoming a vital artery connecting this remote region with the capital and the rest of the world.

A key stage in the airport's history was its development as the main aerial gateway to Lake Titicaca — one of South America's most iconic landmarks. With the growing popularity of this destination in the 1960s and 1970s, the airport was gradually modernized to receive an increasing number of tourists. Its official name, Inca Manco Cápac, is given in honor of the legendary founder of the Inca civilization, highlighting its cultural significance to the region.

One of the most remarkable features and, essentially, a historical fact is its location at an altitude of about 3,825 meters above sea level. This makes it one of the highest commercial airports in the world. This factor determined its technical development: safe takeoff in thin air conditions required the construction of one of the longest runways in Latin America, measuring 4,200 meters. This runway is not just an engineering achievement but a necessity dictated by the laws of physics.

In recent decades, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization under the management of concessionaires such as Aeropuertos Andinos del Perú. Works have been carried out to expand and update the passenger terminal, improve navigation equipment, and enhance service levels. These improvements have allowed Juliaca Airport to meet modern standards and efficiently handle growing passenger traffic, remaining the key gateway for anyone wishing to discover the magic of Lake Titicaca and the cultural heritage of the Peruvian Altiplano.

Inca Manco Cápac Airport (JUL), serving the city of Juliaca, provides passengers with all basic amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite before flying. For those looking for souvenirs, there are shops offering traditional Peruvian goods, including alpaca wool products and local ceramics — a great way to take a piece of Peru with you.

For a more comfortable stay at the airport, you can use the Caral VIP Lounge, offering a secluded atmosphere, drinks, and snacks. Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations and power outlets for electronic devices are provided in the waiting areas so you can always stay connected.

The airport building features ATMs and currency exchange points. A medical post is available in case medical assistance is needed. For passengers with children, there is a mother and child room, and for travelers with disabilities, an accessible environment has been created, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if you require additional assistance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options can easily be found in the city of Juliaca itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Specialized business centers or conference halls are absent at the airport; for these purposes, it is better to use the infrastructure of city hotels.

Inca Manco Cápac Airport in Juliaca (JUL) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest but sufficient for a snack before departure. Do not expect a large food court like in major international hubs; options here are mainly represented by small cafes and kiosks with snacks.

All food outlets are concentrated in the single terminal, predominantly in the general area before security control (landside). This allows both departing passengers and those seeing them off to have a snack. In the sterile area (airside), the choice is usually even more limited and may be reduced to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

In the menus of local cafes, you can find a standard set for a quick bite: sandwiches, pastries, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. If you want to try something from the local cuisine, look for empanadas (pastries with various fillings) or sandwiches with local cheese. This is a great option for a hearty and authentic snack. Regarding drinks, you can find not only the usual cola but also the famous Peruvian soda Inca Kola, as well as warming tea made from coca leaves — mate de coca, which helps adapt to the altitude.

As for prices, like in most airports around the world, they are slightly higher than in the city. It is difficult to find a full lunch here, but the cost of a sandwich with a drink will be moderate. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule; establishments open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last one. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, Halal) are recommended to bring food with them, as specialized options at this airport in Peru are likely to be unavailable.

Traveling through the airport of Juliaca, which serves as the gateway to Lake Titicaca and the Puno region in Peru, requires a little preparation. Here are a few tips to make your trip more comfortable and help avoid unpleasant surprises.

Arrival Time and Acclimatization. Juliaca Airport (Inca Manco Cápac International Airport) is located at an altitude of over 3,800 meters above sea level. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This will give you enough time not only for check-in but also to adapt to the altitude. Move slowly and avoid rushing to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness (soroche).

Check-in and Security. This is a small regional airport, so procedures here usually go faster than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is always better to check in for your flight online if your airline offers this option. This will save you time. Security checkpoints are standard; be prepared to take out electronics and liquids.

Hand Luggage. Standard rules for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in a transparent bag) apply here as well. Be sure to put all valuables, documents, medicines, and a portable charger in your hand luggage. Please note that the export of coca leaves in large quantities may be restricted, despite their legality within the country.

Seat Selection. If your flight takes place during daylight hours, try to get a window seat. When flying from Juliaca to Cusco or Lima, stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the endless expanses of the Altiplano plateau open up.

Passengers with Connections. Juliaca Airport mainly serves domestic flights. If you have a connecting flight, it will most likely be in Lima. Ensure you have enough time between flights (at least 2-3 hours), as you may need to collect your luggage and check in again.

Saving Time and Money. A taxi from the airport to Puno (the nearest tourist center) can be expensive. Consider booking a transfer in advance or use the collective minibuses (colectivos) that wait for passengers at the exit. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are inflated, so it is better to eat beforehand or bring light snacks with you.

In Case of Flight Delay. Amenities at the airport are limited. In case of a flight delay, it is useful to have a book, downloaded movies, or music with you. Don't forget a portable power bank. First, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and possible compensation options.